Schell-Osage Conservation Area offers access to the Osage River and features two large fishing lakes (Atkinson Lake at 461 acres and Schell Lake at 355 acres) with gravel boat ramps, plus 11 smaller fishing ponds across the 8,633-acre area.

The area provides two primitive campgrounds, multiple parking lots, and a 2. 5-mile hiking trail, with bank-fishing opportunities along the Osage River road.

Note that portions of the area may be closed during ongoing wetland renovation projects; contact the area headquarters at (417) 432-3414 for current access information.